Rotatable hand tool with a torque controller and method

Abstract

A hand tool rotatable about an axis and having a handle and a bit in alignment along the axis. A plurality of inserts are available for individual placement between the handle and the bit for controlling torque transmitted by the tool. The insert can provide for limited or unlimited torque, in accord with the construction of the individual insert. The insert is replaceable relative to the tool.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
   
   
       13 . A rotatable hand tool for controlling torque applied at a rotation axis, comprising:
 a handle for rotation about said axis,   a bit connected to said handle and said bit centered along said axis, and at least one reception space defined between said bit and handle,   a torque-transmitting insert in said reception space and interconnecting said handle and said bit rotationally together   
   
   
       14 . (canceled) 
   
   
       15 . The rotatable hand tool for controlling torque, as claimed in  claim 13 , including:
 a member being rotationally telescoped over said handle and said bit and having a pin and groove connection between said member and said handle whereby movement of said member provides relative movement between said pin and said groove for the release and restraint of relative movement of said handle and said bit.   
   
   
       16 . The rotatable hand tool for controlling torque, as claimed in  claim 13 , including:
 a plurality of said inserts with torque shear strengths different from each other and with-each thereof being arranged to interconnect with said handle and said bit and thereby be selectable for individual use in said tool.   
   
   
       17 - 19 . (canceled) 
   
   
       20 . The rotatable hand tool for controlling torque, as claimed in  claim 13 , including:
 a spring operative on said insert for moving said insert.   
   
   
       21 - 24 . (canceled) 
   
   
       25 . In a rotatable hand tool for controlling torque and having a handle rotatable about an axis and having a bit extending along said axis and with said handle and said bit each having rotation drive connection means and said handle and said bit having a torque transmitting insert rotationally drivingly and removably connected between said drive connection means of said handle and said bit, the improvement comprising:
 interconnection means connected between said handle and said bit for inducing relative rotation of said handle and said bit about said axis and for thereby orientating said rotation drive connection means relative to each other for rotation drive reception of said insert.   
   
   
       26 . The rotatable hand tool, as claimed in  claim 25 , including:
 releasable lock means on said interconnection means for releasably locking said handle and said bit in a relative position whereby said insert is secured between said handle and said bit.   
   
   
       27 . The rotatable hand tool, as claimed in  claim 25 , including:
 rotation orientation indicia on said bit and said interconnection means for guiding the orientation of said rotation drive connection means.